The next day.
The Uma Musume preparing for their debut in the classic-level races, their first major test being the Satsuki Sho, were all busy with their pre-race preparations.
King Halo was sprinting at high speed across the training grounds of her private estate.
Based on the strategy she and her trainer had devised, they planned to employ a front-running tactic for the Satsuki Sho.
After witnessing Seiun Sky's running style in the Yayoi Sho, sticking with a stalker strategy simply wouldn't do.
Otherwise, even if she could close some of the gap on the slopes, she'd still be left behind by Seiun Sky's second acceleration on the final stretch.
That level of stamina, the endurance to maintain pace throughout, combined with the speed to lead from the front—that was what made Seiun Sky terrifying.
Click!
The instant King Halo completed the 2000-meter run, her trainer stopped the stopwatch.
"You've shaved off 0.5 seconds from your previous time."
"0.5 seconds..."
For an Uma Musume, cutting 0.5 seconds off a 2000-meter time was a significant improvement. Sweat dripped from King Halo's cheeks, yet no trace of joy showed on her face.
"Mhm. I'm going to practice some more."
A mere 0.5 seconds wasn't enough. She didn't believe that would be sufficient to defeat Seiun Sky.
After Seiun Sky's performance in the Yayoi Sho, the Canopus trainer was surely formulating training plans to tackle the uphill sections.
Right now, she needed to push herself even harder.
In sports, you either improve or fall behind. Apart from the Empress, there are no eternal champions, only the ceaseless pursuit of self-improvement.
King Halo firmly believed this.
In the Satsuki Sho, she would make everyone witness the running form of the Holy King!
And besides...
King Halo took a light breath and looked up at the sky.
Their generation, the ones who debuted together, always seemed to be living in someone else's shadow.
Clenching her fist, she whispered to herself, 'Someday, I too will shine that brightly!'
Having steeled her resolve, she broke into a run once more, charging forward.
--+--
Tracen Academy.
A large crowd of Uma Musume had gathered just outside the training grounds.
Gold Ship, clad in her signature white coat—at the cost of assaulting everyone's retinas—had forcibly dragged Mejiro McQueen, who had just joined Spica, into helping her sell yakisoba.
'Is this yakisoba even going to sell?'
Mejiro McQueen grumbled inwardly. It was past lunchtime; most had already eaten. What kind of Uma Musume would buy yakisoba now?
She really wanted to focus on watching Special Week's practice race.
To help Special Week address the shortcomings exposed in the Yayoi Sho, their trainer had somehow managed to persuade Toujou Hana, the trainer of Rigil, to arrange a practice match between Special Week and the senior, Taiki Shuttle.
Word had gotten out, which explained the throng of spectators around the training field now.
Within Rigil, aside from the three active members, the rest were legends.
The rivalry between El Condor Pasa and Barbatos, the prodigies of their era—even in defeat, they operated at a level just below legendary. Grass Wonder was an undefeated Uma Musume, a champion in the novice races.
In a few years, they would likely become legends themselves.
Taiki Shuttle, Special Week's opponent today, had made a name even before Grass Wonder and El Condor Pasa, boasting two G1 victories and considered the king of the mile distance.
If not for Barbatos's emergence, she would probably be the strongest active miler.
Was it really okay for Special Week to face an opponent of this caliber?
Could she genuinely learn from such a practice race without it shattering her confidence?
Even Mejiro McQueen, born into the prestigious Mejiro family, couldn't help but worry.
"Hello, I'll take 20 portions of yakisoba."
Just as Mejiro McQueen was pondering the trainer's intentions, a voice sounded beside her.
Gold Ship smoothly handed over a portion from her stock. Seeming to consider that the customer might not be able to carry them all, she didn't give all twenty at once.
'Is she buying in bulk for her class?'
Before even seeing the customer's face, that thought popped into Mejiro McQueen's head. Normally, a team had at most around ten members, give or take.
Dorm rooms only housed two.
So, someone buying 20 portions in one go was likely a class representative or something similar.
The newcomer had a distinctive roan coat. With just one glance, McQueen knew who it was.
Oguri Cap!
So it was her!
Seeing Oguri Cap, Mejiro McQueen's confusion instantly vanished. Tracen Academy was rife with legends about Oguri Cap's bottomless stomach. One could always spot her in the cafeteria at lunch, devouring a mountain of food.
Initially shocking, it was now just a familiar sight.
The only pity was that a bigger appetite didn't necessarily translate to greater strength. Otherwise, she herself could indulge in sweets without a care.
So, Oguri Cap eating 20 portions of yakisoba was completely normal, not strange at all!
Right...
Not strange at all, my hoof!!!
When she saw Senior Oguri Cap in the cafeteria at noon, she hadn't eaten any less than usual!
Could it be that this weirdo Gold Ship knew Oguri Cap would show up here and was just lying in wait?
Munch, gulp.
In a few bites, one portion of yakisoba was gone.
Right at that moment, Special Week and Taiki Shuttle on the training field took their positions beside Air Groove at the starting line. The practice race was about to begin.
"Oguri, I knew you'd be here."
The gentle, motherly Super Creek and Inari One walked over together.
They had both guessed Oguri Cap would come to watch. It was the unspoken understanding shared by the Heisei Trio. Besides, this new generation of freshmen really seemed full of pleasant surprises.
Especially Special Week, who could rival Oguri Cap in terms of appetite, truly seemed to have a promising future.
That's why they had all come to watch the practice race between Special Week and Taiki Shuttle.
With the arrival of the Heisei Trio, Gold Ship's yakisoba sold out almost instantly. All of this, of course, was part of Gold Ship's own calculations.
After all, Special Week was Oguri Cap's fated rival in appetite, wasn't she?
Rumor had it they were even planning to compete in the big eating contest derby in May to decide who was the strongest. It was only natural for Oguri Cap to come check out her rival's practice race!
"Where's Tama-chan?"
Super Creek looked around, puzzled. "She's not here?"
She had thought Tamamo Cross would surely be here with Oguri Cap to watch the race. She'd even prepared to feed some yakisoba to 'Tama-chan.' What a shame.
Between bites, Oguri Cap answered, "Tama... munch... she had some business to take care of and went off-campus with Barbatos recently."
--+--
On the elongated practice track, Barbatos's figure flashed by, displaying her current capabilities before Tamamo Cross and awaiting the senior's advice.
"For your first attempt at a long-distance race, I suggest you use your strong suit, the come-from-behind style. Without experience, it's the easiest way to control the pace and the running form you're most familiar with."
"In that situation, if Mejiro Bright were to..."
The senior, Tamamo Cross, offered her suggestions, her childlike face bearing an expression of reliable experience.
However, after she finished speaking, she couldn't help but grin wryly.
"All of this... your trainer should be able to analyze it too."
"You came to find me for another reason, didn't you?"
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.